Raichandani 210* puts India Under-19 in commanding position

Opening batter Lakshya Raichandani slammed an unbeaten 210 off just 256 balls to put India Under-19 in command on day two of the first Youth Test against Australia Under-19. The hosts were 430 for 8 at stumps, in response to the Australians' 217.

Raichandani and No. 10 Mohit Ulva deflated Australia Under-19 with an unbroken ninth-wicket stand of 137, which came at better than a run a ball. Ulva was 58 not out off 56 deliveries when play ended on day two, having hit five fours and four sixes.

After India Under-19 resumed on their overnight score of 8 for 0, they lost two wickets by the 14th over as seamer Kasey Barton and legspinner Spencer Green struck for Australia Under-19. Captain Yashbardhan Chauhan joined Raichandani and steadied their side with a 124-run partnership. Raichandani got to fifty off only 69 balls while Chauhan was more patient at the other end. However, from 14 off 40 deliveries at one stage, Chauhan turned up the tempo to finish with 54 in 81 balls.

Raichandani held one end up despite losing four partners within 16 overs, as Barton and Green did the bulk of the damage. By then, though, India Under-19 had grabbed the lead. Raichandani then rebuilt with Ayaan Akram, adding 51 for the seven wicket.

Left-arm spinner Connor Gregory got Akram and Ishan Om to check India Under-19's momentum, but Raichandani and Ulva counterattacked and snatched it back from Australia Under-19's hands.

Raichandani reached his double-century with a boundary towards the closing stages of the day. Australia Under-19 were made to toil, using as many as seven bowling options.